Friday, June 15, 2012

Ring Bearer Pillows - A Wedding Gift

Emily is getting married. I have known her since she was born. Her mom introduced my husband and I. Her dad did the plans for my new house. We have shared jobs and church.
Making this gift was a joy for me. This is not to say it was stress free, because I wanted it to be special and perfect and all, but I was so happy they asked me to be a small part of the BIG day. Anne asked in plenty of time and I have thought and searched and planned and rethought and bought supplies and drawn pictures for months. Sometimes you just cannot rush the process. I finally came up with a plan I liked and I had all the supplies I needed.

I took lots of pictures, OK? Here we go....

I almost never draw first, but this one had to be special.

And, yes, I have to wear my glasses for this kind of work now.

Vines.

Flowers tacked in place.

Buttons added with the navy blue accent color. This is when I started to love it and be thrilled that what I saw in my mind's eye was becoming real.

Leaves. Can't really see the gauzy bits under a few of the flowers, but they add a little extra whimsy, in my opinion. Oh, wait I have a close up...

Both sides done-ish. Notice the difference?

Here they are with the ring pockets added and the stuffing done.

This side, with the most flowers;, the beautiful and blooming side, is the side that Emily's ring will go on to remind her to bring beauty and growth to the family.

This side, with the most leaves and vines, is the side that CJ's ring will go on to remind him to be all the support and strength that Emily needs to continue to bloom and grow.

One pocket says Love and the other has the date of the wedding.

SEe? Each pocket has a ribbon to tie the rings on with and then tuck them down into the pocket. This does not come without risks. When I got married, someone tied the rings on so well that my husband, the Boy Scout - always prepared, had to take out his pocket knife and cut them off during the ceremony!

I really wish you could see them in real life. I am so happy with the way the turned out. The mother of the bride was happy and now I am hoping the bride is happy.

As a bonus, while I was sewing, I prayed for these two sweet young people and the new life they are beginning.

14 comments:

Oh my, Donna....you never cease to amaze me! Your thought process behind this project is just as special as your stitchery. What you have written on your blog needs to go on a small card and slipped into each pocket. As always, simply beuatiful!

Thanks, my friend! I did write a card for them explaining my thinking and why each ring should go where. Can't wait to see some little people carrying them next weekend. Maybe you can take some pictures then.

Oooh. I love that you both gasped! Sometimes you know you are just glad to be finished with something, but this one I hated to give up, really. I want to do my very simple wedding all over again....Thanks!

Ooooh, Donna... this is exquisite!! Exquisite, I tell you! So beautifully done... artful... prayerful... made with love. Nothing better in the world!! You have such a gift for this, Donna. And, it is an amazing gift for Emily and CJ. May their marriage be richly blessed.

Kudos to you for such a beautiful design and execution of your vision!! Amazing!! blessings ~ tanna

Oh, DONNA! WONDERFUL!! I love the tone on tone - like I did for Laura's wedding heart. Your design was beautiful. Your vines remind me of Spargo. Your complimentary designs are meaningful and brilliant. The work is wonderful. The gauzy bits are a brilliant touch. And adding the prayer? You make me cry. What a labor of deepest love and brilliant vision. I just think you are the cat's pajamas, you know that? Wow. And yes, you really DID something.

Yes, it is like Laura's heart...just not as fancily stitched. I need a fancy stitching lesson while I am out there....When Emily called she told me that she had been planning on letting the ring bearers keep the pillows for their memento of the wedding, but now she thinks that won't be happening! She's talking shadow box, but I was thinking keep them out somewhere and leave each other notes and treasures in the pockets from time to time.Thanks, friend of my heart!

A Peek...

I believe that God is a creator God and that because I am created in His image, I am also a creator. I am about to embark on a MAJOR creative endeavor-homebuilding! Me, my little husband, 1 big dog and 3 cats.
I am looking forward to joy in the journey...come and join me!